Liberty Hill digest
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PANTHER NATION GUTS AND GLORY ON THE GRIDIRON ©Photo Brien Aho
ELECTION DAY 2023
BREAKING CHAINS
WORTH THE DRIVE
Williamson County Road Bond: What You Need to Know
Liberty Hill SpiritFest Joins Fight for Trafficking Victims
Bertram's Globe Theater is Back and Better than Ever
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O C TO B E R 2 0 2 3 L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G E S T
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Liberty Hill digest
Published by Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC
PUBLISHER
Cathy Payne
Like many of the best in her craft, Cathy has a specialized degree—in her case, hard science—and a gift for writing. She found her voice and fulfillment reporting and writing news and magazine features for a regional Central Texas audience. Along with serving as the publisher of the Liberty Hill Digest, Cathy oversees multiple magazines, marketing campaigns, and books.
SENIOR WRITERS / COPY EDITORS Ann Marie Kennon Charlotte Kovalchuk CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Linda A. Thornton Rachel Strickland GRAPHICS & DESIGN Sandra Evans Zion Eaton CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Christina Tucker Christianna Bettis DIRECTOR OF SALES • Allison Smith IT/WEBMASTER • Jesse Payne CONSULTANT • W. Ben Daniel
ADVERTISING Mark Elliott mark@lhtxdigest.com Office 512-746-4545 Cell 512-240-2267
Liberty Hill Digest is a Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC publication and a product of AdvocateNewsTX Newspaper. Copyright © 2023 All rights reserved. Liberty Hill Digest is published monthly and mailed USPS, free of charge, to homes and businesses in Liberty Hill, TX zip codes. Mail may be sent to Liberty Hill Digest, P.O. Box 213, Jarrell, TX 76537.
Email: info@lhtxdigest.com
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FROM THE EDITORS Dear Readers, Here in October, our seventh month of summer (wink), we embrace stories that root us, even more, into our community. With Election Day coming up November 7, we've provided a broad look at how the road bond vote seeks to pave the way for safety and connectivity in Liberty Hill. Tethering to local spirit and the season of Friday night lights, the spotlights turn to Panther football and the youthful energy, hard work, and camaraderie that permeates the community. Be ready for touchdowns and the exhilarating essence of sporting spirit. There is also a lot of rodeo action to share, including all the details about the Williamson County Sheriff's Posse casino fundraiser, and a deep dive into why rodeos are part of what makes Texas, Texas. We're also so proud of our city's efforts to bring awareness to and help victims of human trafficking. Agape BBQ provided their time, talent, and treasure to support Unbound Austin at a day-long SpiritFest. We also celebrate our Liberty Hill Police Chief Royce Graeter, who joined law enforcement officers from all over the county and strutted his stuff at Purse Bingo to support the Williamson County Children's Advocacy Center. Here's to cooler weather and treating yourself to a pumpkin spice Twinkie!
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INSIDE
FEATURES 6 COVER FEATURE
Liberty Hill Varsity Football
7 COMMUNITY
Boosting Public Safety, Building Community
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9 COUNTY NEWS
Williamson County's Upcoming Bond Election
11 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Blinded by the Light Living Beautifully This Holiday Season
12 AROUND TOWN
SpiritFest At Agape BBQ Supports Anti-Trafficking Efforts
19 EVENTS
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Saddle for a Cause - Wilco Sheriff's Posse Hosts Casino Night Fundraiser
20 ARTS & CULTURE
Resounding Voices - Sacred Harp Singing in Williamson County
FAVORITES 16 SHELTER STORIES
Pets of the Month Williamson County Animal Shelter
22 WHAT MAKES TEXAS "TEXAS"
Rodeos: Heart and Soul of Texas
24 WORTH THE DRIVE The Globe Theatre
26 FOOD
Yippie-Ki-Gourmet Recipes from the Range
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28 PARTING SHOTS
Joining Hands - Students Lift Up Community in Prayer
ON THE COVER: Liberty Hill Panthers in action. Cover Photo: ©Photo Brien Aho Visit our Facebook page for follow-ups to these stories, out-takes & hints to those upcoming.
LibertyHillDigest Read online at LibertyHillTXDigest.com 4
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EDUCATION
by Rachel Strickland | photos by Brien Aho
LIBERTY HILL VARSITY FOOTBALL Fall is in the air, which means it's football season, and the Liberty Hill High School varsity football team is hard at work making this season one of its best. They first took the field August 26 and aim to make their mark at the state championship game in December. “It’s football season, so there’s a lot of excitement in the air,” says Coach Kent Walker, who is in his seventh year of coaching at the school. “But we’ve got a lot of work to do. We’re a young team right now, but I’m excited about our kids and being able to watch them develop throughout the year.”
BOOSTING MORALE
UPCOMING SEASON
According to Coach Walker, a day in the life of a Liberty Hill varsity football player is never a walk in the park, but he always makes sure they have time outside of practice for rest, homework, and family. The boys arrive at the field at 6am for practice and go back after school to lift weights and watch films of previous games. Coach Walker says he tries to get the kids off the field by 6pm so they can be home for dinner and have time for homework. “We hold [our team] to an extremely high standard,” he says. “We’re hoping that pays off for us this year, and that we’ll have another great season of Liberty Hill football.”
This season, 50 boys make up the varsity team, but Coach Walker says that varies week to week because they occasionally bring in kids from the junior varsity team when needed. Senior Noah Long is the team’s starting tailback and, according to Coach Walker, Noah has been on the team since his freshman year, which is a rare and exceptional achievement.
To keep morale up, players have a motivational story time every Wednesday afternoon as well as a weekly dinner and team bonding at one of the player’s homes. The team’s motto this year is “hold the rope,” which means that they refuse to let go of the rope for each other. “If you were hanging off a cliff,” Coach Walker explains, “who would you want to hold the rope for you and keep you from falling? That’s our mentality this year. We trust each other to hold the rope for each other.”
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“We have a very talented senior class leading the team this year,” Coach Walker says proudly. “Our offense has done well, and our running backs and offensive lines are really good. It’s a tight-knit group, and they’re really working hard for each other. We’re excited to see what they can do.” The coach believes playing a team sport is important for kids because of the lessons they learn and football, specifically, teaches them a lot about life. During practices, he tries to relate the sport to a different life lesson to teach his team that life isn’t always easy; what matters is how you get through those adversities. “Liberty Hill is such an awesome community,” Coach Walker says. “We have such great support from our community, and it shows every Friday night in the stands and on the field. It’s just a great place, and it’s awesome for our kids to get to play football in this community.”
COMMUNITY
by Charlotte Kovalchuk
BOOSTING PUBLIC SAFETY, BUILDING COMMUNITY Photos courtesy Representative John Carter's Office & Chief Royce Graeter
BUILDING COMMUNITY Beyond keeping Liberty Hill safe, Chief Graeter and his team strive to give back and build community connections through meet-and-greet events like National Night Out and holiday drives like Operation Blue Santa. Check out these upcoming events: TRUNK OR TREAT, OCTOBER 28: Trunk or Treat offers a safe place during Halloween for residents to dress up and enjoy an evening out with costume contests, candy, and police item giveaways.
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hanks to a $127,500 grant from Congressman John Carter, the Liberty Hill Police Department will soon get brand-new computers and radios, without the need to burden taxpayers. “With our computers getting older, we likely would have been asking for money to replace them in the next budget,” Chief Royce Graeter says. “This grant is a great way for us to make some progress and not use funds out of our budget. It will be a great benefit to the citizens because the taxpayers’ money can be used for other things.”
OPERATION STUFF A CRUISER, EACH NOVEMBER: Each year before Thanksgiving, the police department collects food at various locations to donate to Operation Liberty Hill. Last year, the department collected 1,683 pounds of food. OPERATION BLUE SANTA, EACH NOVEMBER: The police department stations donation barrels at local businesses and collects toys for families to receive through Operation Liberty Hill.
Chief Graeter sent the funding request to Congressman Carter and, in September, the department received the grant as part of an appropriations bill that provided grants to multiple cities in Williamson and Bell counties. “As a strong supporter of our local law enforcement, Representative Carter is committed to properly funding them for the safety of our communities,” Communications Director Emily Taylor says. The grant will allow Liberty Hill PD to buy 15 new computers, 13 computer mounts for officers’ vehicles, five car radios, and additional Brazos eCitation software designed to reduce traffic offenses and improve safety and efficiency by speeding up traffic stops.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT, OCTOBER 2024: Residents can meet officers and check out police and fire vehicles, helicopters, and other types of vehicles. “We usually have a great turnout and some awesome conversations at this event,” Chief Graeter says. These events, he adds, promote police and community relationships while bringing neighbors together. “We want to have a great community policing environment where we can have great relationships with our citizens and businesses.” Scan the code to check out the Liberty Hill Police Department’s Facebook or visit them on Twitter for event updates and the latest public safety news. O C TO B E R 2 0 2 3 L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G E S T
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COUNTY NEWS
by Ann Marie Kennon
Williamson County's Upcoming Bond Election What You Need to Know TXDOT AND WILCO BREAK GROUND ON FM 3349 AT US 79 IMPROVEMENTS, OCT 2022 (IMAGE CREDIT: WILCO.ORG)
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design to full construction in all four precincts.
he Citizens Bond Committee of Williamson County, chaired by Georgetown’s David Hays, was formed to assess the necessity of a bond election aimed at enhancing roadways and park facilities. The committee held six public meetings across the county seeking input from a dozen cities in the county, municipal utility districts, county staff, the YMCA, and other partners. David reported all six meetings were well attended and there was no opposition to the committee’s proposals. The committee advised holding an election for road projects valued at approximately $1.68 billion and park projects totaling slightly more than $78.9 million (facing page). After reviewing, the Commissioners Court proposed last month that residents should be given the opportunity to vote to issue the bonds. Committee members narrowed down the project list, allocating $825 million for roads and $59 million for parks projects, all of which share a focus on safety and mobility. There are 38 road projects named in the order, ranging from right-of-way acquisitions to 8
“The cost of projects in urban areas like Georgetown and Cedar Park has escalated considerably due to increased traffic, and the number of projects exceeding $100M caught my attention," David said. Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long added, "As Williamson County’s tremendous growth continues, traffic challenges increase. Failing to enhance our roadway infrastructure to meet the demands created by additional residences and vehicles will reduce mobility and impact families' safety and commuting time to schools, activities, work and appointments." David noted this vote represents a better financial balance than the previous county transportation bond as the cost of materials has begun to come down following the supply chain challenges we experienced during the pandemic.
MUNICIPAL VIEWPOINTS Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan emphasized the collaborative efforts Williamson County and its
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cities have made towards enhancing mobility. He pointed out, "We are fortunate because, unlike Travis County, which only offers two entry and exit points, Williamson County has excelled in fostering connectivity across the county." Consequently, he said, many individuals choose to and are able to live, work, and play in their respective cities. "This bond is pivotal for our businesses, residents, and visitors. Growth is inevitable, and denial only results in playing catch-up later. Thankfully, we're already a step ahead." Commissioner Long is similarly pleased that the proposed Liberty Hill bypass, pending approval, will offer a convenient alternative for local eastbound commuters. This will allow travelers to head south on Bagdad Road without passing through the downtown area. Funding for the initial phase of this bypass was sanctioned by voters as part of the 2019 bond program. Speaking on the broader scope of projects, Commissioner Long stated, "Williamson County is among the fastest-expanding counties in the nation. The Williamson County Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), established in
COUNTY NEWS
PARK PROJECTS The Parks bond package includes 14 projects totaling $59 million for a mixture of projects related to: Future parkland acquisition —location(s) TBD Facility development projects associated with Berry Springs Park and Preserve, Williamson County Expo Center & Twin Lakes Park (YMCA) Several shared use path projects 2009, is instrumental in managing this growth. It ensures enhanced connectivity and mobility across the county by synchronizing public insights and inter-county planning. The constantly updated LRTP is pivotal for the county to stay abreast of its substantial growth. When the bypass is complete, Liberty Hill will have a secure alternate route circumventing the highly congested zones in the area." The route for the bypass was integrated into the county’s LRTP in 2009, after thorough public consultation. Several potential routes were proposed and assessed based on numerous criteria such as their impact on residences, commercial establishments, water resources, and the environment. The chosen route maximizes safety and traffic throughput while minimizing adverse effects on homes, businesses, and the environment.
The commissioner added, "If the Williamson County Road Bond proposal passes in November, engineering will begin on the two remaining phases of the bypass. Construction on future phases would add a lane in each direction and turn lanes where appropriate. The construction of more lanes will not begin until growth determines the need for additional capacity to address safety and mobility." She added that the impact to local travel and businesses should be minimal as the bypass is a new road. The project will be advertised for bid by the end of 2023 and is expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete.
TAX IMPACT David said, “The dollars the county issues are all leveraged with city and state money so everyone is contributing to the roads in each area — that’s how it should be." If approved by the voters, Williamson County estimates the two bond propositions will not result in an increase in the county’s current debt service tax rate of $.1339 per $100 of valuation.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS Voter Registration Deadline: Oct. 10 • Mail Ballot Applic. Deadline: Oct. 27 Early Voting: Oct. 23 to Nov. 3 • Election Day: Nov. 7 O C TO B E R 2 0 2 3 L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G E S T
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by Charlotte Kovalchuk
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
LivingBeautifullyThisHolidaySeason W H E T H E R YO U A R E S E A R C H I N G F O R A TO U C H O F C H R I S T M A S E L E G A N C E O R A H I N T O F S O M E T H I N G W H I M S I C A L , B L I N D E D B Y T H E L I G H T H A S S O M E T H I N G F O R E V E R YO N E A N D I S H E R E TO H E L P YO U L I V E B E AU T I F U L LY !
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ome November, Blinded By The Light will once again transform into a destination for all things Christmas. “Christmas is my most favorite time of year for many reasons and I love to decorate for the holiday. It is a time of peace and joy as we celebrate our Savior’s birthday. This is a special time of year when family and friends come together,” owner Deb Lohman says. With each year, the home décor shop continues to expand its holiday offerings, and this year is set to be bigger and better with a mix of traditional and not-so-traditional items to display proudly in your home. Shiny ornaments galore, statement pieces to fill those large spaces, stunning Christmas floral stems—and did we mention Santa's, Nutcrackers, and Nativity sets? In addition to Christmas décor, Blinded By The Light has many gift items, including jewelry, crystal barware, unique crystal wine glasses, stocking stuffers, candles, and so much more. Not just a holiday décor destination, Blinded By The Light is a year-round, one-stop shop for accent furniture, fine wall art, custom rugs, décor accessories, lamps, and Hunter Douglas window coverings, as well as crystal barware, jewelry, and candles. “The Liberty Hill area is beautiful and Blinded By The Light is here to help customers live beautifully,” Deb says.
A TIME OF GIVING Blinded By The Light is hosting a Christmas Stroll on December 6 in conjunction with several other Liberty Hill boutiques and shops – Liberty Hill Outfitters, Glenny Bee, Hill Country Hickster, Main Street Marketplace, and Olive & Sage. Families and friends are welcome to come out for a fun day of holiday shopping, and these shops will donate a percentage of their sales to a local charity. Last year, a generous contribution was made to L4 Cares, a nonprofit dedicated to caring for seniors, military, families with a child diagnosed with a terminal illness, and those in crisis. For Deb, it’s important to give back to the community in which she has experienced an abundance of generosity. “Our community is very supportive of local businesses and small shops like Blinded By The Light. When the community comes together and shops local, this gives us the wonderful opportunity to give back. Our local nonprofit organizations do so many good things for the community so I feel it is important to do everything that I can do to support those efforts.” 14125 W State Hwy 29, Liberty Hill 512-636-9653 | blindedbythelightdecor.com O C TO B E R 2 0 2 3 L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G E S T
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AROUND TOWN
SpiritFest Supports Anti-trafficking Efforts UNBOUND NOW BREAKS CHAINS IN AUSTIN
by Charlotte Kovalchuk | photos by Nate Gelabert
W H E N U N B O U N D N O W R E A C H E D O U T TO L I B E R T Y H I L L B U S I N E S S E S A B O U T T H E I R N E W AU S T I N O F F I C E D E V OT E D TO S U P P O R T I N G H U M A N T R A F F I C K I N G V I C T I M S I N C E N T R A L T E X A S , A G A P E B B Q WA S A L R E A DY LO O K I N G F O R A N O N P R O F I T TO S U P P O R T F O R I T S A N N UA L S P I R I T F E S T F U N D R A I S E R .
TRAFFICKING MYTHS
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gape co-owner and pitmaster Jeremy Archer found the opportunity to bring awareness to trafficking serendipitously timed with the theatrical release of Sound of Freedom. “We feel like human trafficking is just now starting to get awareness and is one of those issues that is about to explode. We’re seeing more and more people wanting to get involved in fighting human trafficking and helping people out of human trafficking. We’re excited to help financially as [Unbound Now] expands and grows.”
Most of the time, trafficking isn’t how it looks on the news or social media. Part of Unbound Now’s mission is debunking myths like the belief that trafficking mainly involves missing children. “A lot of times kids are living at home and are still going to school. They’re not missing kids but they are being exploited,” says Liz Griffin, executive director of Unbound Now Austin. “The majority of trafficking in the United States is not from some stranger, but from someone the child has a relationship with.”
A day of music, barbecue, and family fun, SpiritFest took over Agape BBQ in September, featured bands from area worship centers like Fellowship Church, Selah Hills, Antioch Austin, and Life Church, and concluded with Preachers on the Radio and Royal Knaves. “It provided a great opportunity for members of churches and the community to connect and spend time in worship as well as raise awareness for a worthy cause,” Agape co-owner Lonnie Wendling says.
Another misconception is that all victims are female, and all traffickers are male. Many victims are male while traffickers can be any age, gender, and demographic, all feeding off the vulnerabilities of potential victims, such as homelessness or an inability to pay rent or a car note. Teri says it’s important for the community to realize the different forms and demographics of human trafficking, because “if we are defining human trafficking by what we see in the media, we’re missing nearly 90 percent of victims.”
TRAFFICKING IN TEXAS
STAY SAFE
In 2016, the University of Texas published a human trafficking report that included an estimate of 313,453 victims of trafficking in Texas, with the majority of cases occurring in the “Texas Triangle” — Dallas to San Antonio to Houston. “We are right in the middle of the triangle, so being on I-35 between San Antonio and Dallas, trafficking in Williamson County is significant,” says Teri Jansen, co-founder and executive director of programs for Key2Free, an anti-trafficking nonprofit in Georgetown. As Austin is a particular trafficking hotspot in Central Texas, due to large events like SXSW and ACL, Unbound Now was inspired to open a local office in August 2022. The organization supports adults and minors affected by sex and labor trafficking in Williamson, Travis, Hays, and Bastrop counties through crisis response and case management as well as prevention education and public outreach. 12
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When it comes to prevention, “people automatically think of [being careful at] malls, bus stations, and theaters—and that’s true. You should avoid going to places by yourself and be aware of your surroundings,” Teri says, adding that the biggest threat is virtual. “Most of the time traffickers are making their initial contact to establish a relationship through social media, online gaming, and texting.” She urges individuals to keep their social media accounts private as well as share their location and tag friends only after they get back from vacations.
JOIN THE FIGHT Since opening Unbound Now’s Austin office, Liz has been overwhelmed by enthusiasm and support, especially in Williamson County. “People in Williamson County genuinely care about their communities and their neighbors, and they want to be part of the solution.” She urges people to: Learn about the realities and signs of human trafficking by taking Unbound Now’s training sessions.
“I know it can feel overwhelming when people try to wrap their head around something like this happening in their own community,” Liz says. “At the same time, there are incredible stories of people rallying together and seeing change happen. I encourage anyone reading this — parents, teachers, baristas, school bus drivers, or emergency room doctors — that everyone has a part to play in the multi-disciplinary approach to end human trafficking.”
Volunteer their time by becoming a trainer or mentor with Unbound Now’s early intervention groups. Support the organization’s anti-trafficking efforts by donating at unboundnow.org/give. Scan the QR Code now to join the fight to help end human trafficking
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SHELTER STORIES
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JAKE
With a wagging tail that never quits and an insatiable curiosity, Jake is always ready to explore new trails, leave pawprints on hearts everywhere, and never turn down a lively romp with other dogs. His charming presence and irresistible zest for life would make him a cherished companion and forever friend. An Adoption Angel paid his adoption fee, so he’s here waiting for that new life of adventure to begin.
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GROVER
THE WILLIAMSON COUNTY REGIONAL ANIMAL SHELTER
is home to an abundance of animals all eagerly seeking their forever homes. In this article we shine a light on six dogs that have been waiting patiently at the shelter for more than a year and are in need of a little extra love and attention from the community.
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Meet Grover, the “Sesame Street” superstar in dog form! While not too keen on other dogs, he loves toys, car rides, and flashing his winning smile. Grover has been working hard with 1UP Dog Training during his stay at the shelter as part of the #HonorRoll program! So, if you’re looking for a furry co-pilot for your adventures who’s been getting some top-notch training, Grover’s your guy!
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ASHTON
Ashton is excited to begin his new adventure in a loving new home. He’s hoping he’ll get to do ALL the fun things: park hikes, games of fetch, and learning fun new tricks. He has been practicing learning skills as one of the shelter’s Honor Roll dogs, where he gets to work with a trainer each week. Even better, once adopted, his first training session with 1Up Dog Training is free.
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pets of the month
by April Peiffer • photos courtesy WCRAS
BONES
Bones is calm and snuggly in the play yard and enjoys playing with toys and taking long walks. He is a special boy with some special needs: an adult household, an adopter who understands he can be nervous meeting new people and who is willing to be introduced slowly, do a four-week learning foster first, and bone up on his training plan provided by the shelter. His person would also get four weekly home visits to check his progress and provide any help needed.
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SHELTER STORIES 5
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ROCKY
This chunky hunk is 100 pounds of very good boy! He’s looking for a family to help him shed a little of his extra weight, and he’ll pay his dues in all the polite kisses you could ever want. Rocky bonds tightly to his people and wants to protect them, so he will do wonderfully in a home where there’s not much traffic in and out. Rocky was so excited when his Adoption Angel paid his adoption fee, and he hopes that means you’ll come meet him today.
LUCA
Luca is a handsome and exuberant dog who is the picture of “good boi.” He does cute jogs in our play yards to demonstrate his happy and playful demeanor. He loves people and will let you know it! What we’re trying to say is, don’t plan on going out to a fancy dinner immediately after meeting this big boy. Luca is reported to be housetrained, and he’s got a roommate here at the shelter, so he’s pretty dog-friendly, although he is allergic to cats. His Adoption Angel paid his adoption fee, so come meet this handsome good boi today!
The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is open every day 12-6pm (excluding limited holidays/events). Meet the animals as a walk-in or by scheduling an appointment. Appointments can be made by emailing adoption@wilco.org.
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EVENTS
by Charlotte Kovalchuk
SADDLE UP FOR A CAUSE WILCO SHERIFF’S POSSE HOSTS CASINO NIGHT FUNDRAISER
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he Williamson County Sheriff’s Posse is gearing up for its second annual Casino Night fundraiser that will raise funds for the Posse to expand the arena and add to the organization’s contributions to local charities. “It is part of our mission just to be involved in the community and support them in any way we can,” WCSP Corporal Kristen Ivicic says.
A LITTLE HISTORY The WCSP was formed in 1943 and members helped out the Williamson County Sheriff’s office while many men were off to war. As the years passed and the WCSP was no longer needed to support the sheriff’s office in their official duties, the direction of the organization changed. More recently, the WCSP helped during the Jarrell tornado recovery, search and rescue efforts when Georgetown teen Rachel Cooke went missing, and animal relief during the Bastrop fires. The WCSP Rodeo was held at the San Gabriel arena in Georgetown until 2018, and this year celebrated their 80th anniversary (79th rodeo due to COVID) at their new arena in Jarrell. Thanks to a generous donation of 20 acres by the Micheaux “Solana Ranch” family, the Williamson County Sheriff’s Posse relocated in 2019 and entertained a sold-out crowd with dozens of rodeo events.
CASINO NIGHT Kristen hopes this year’s fundraiser will continue that momentum and lead to an even brighter future for the rodeo. “We’re still growing, still fairly new to Jarrell, and we’re trying to get our name out there. We’re raising money for our nonprofit, and at the same time trying to build the arena into what it needs to be, hopefully to the size and scope of what it used to be in Georgetown.” Casino Night will take place from 5 to 10pm on October 21 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church of Corn Hill in Jarrell. Visitors can look forward to gambling, side games, raffle prizes, drinks, heavy hors d'oeuvre, and a silent auction. This year, the WCSP is looking to raise $20,000 for the posse, including funds to support its rodeo sweetheart scholarship as well as other area nonprofits. “It’s going to be a good time and it’s for a good cause,” Kristen says.
For tickets, call Kristen at 512-639-0882 or Crystal at 512-848-7869. Scan the code to learn more about the Wilco Sheriff’s Posse and the CASINO NIGHT FUNDRAISER. wcsprodeo.com
SAVE THE DATE
for the next Williamson County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo at the Jarrell arena at 1600 County Road 305, June 28-29, 2024
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ARTS & CULTURE
R
esounding Voices
Sacred Harp Singing in Williamson County by Charlotte Kovalchuk I photos courtesy of Gaylon Powell
A unique musical performance – sacred harp singing, which does not involve harps and is more participation than performance – is coming to Williamson County this month. On October 28-29, the Austin Sacred Harp Singers will bring their a cappella skills to the Jarrell Memorial Park Community Center (1651 CR 305, Jarrell) and invites singers of all levels to join in this community event.
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HeartForSinging Also known as shape-note singing, sacred harp singing originated in the United States during the early 19th century and was named after Benjamin Franklin White’s The Sacred Harp hymnal, first published in 1844. The “sacred harp” refers to the human voice – the musical instrument given at birth. This singing style is notable for its notation system, which uses shapes (squares, circles, triangles, and diamonds) to represent musical notes, making it easier for singers to read and sing the music even if they are not formally trained in music theory.
For Gaylon and Kristie Powell, members of the Austin Sacred Harp Singers, sacred harp singing isn't just a hobby they enjoy; it’s what brought them together. “I grew up doing it and I just love the music. It’s raw energy, very personal and spiritual. The poetry has such beauty and power,” Kristie says of the religious folk songs. She met her now-husband at a singing in Minnesota and the couple continues to travel all over the country for singings. In October, up to 100 singers from Austin, other areas of Texas, and a few other states will come together for the Southwest Texas Sacred Harp Singing Convention.
ARTS & CULTURE Serenading the Community The Austin Sacred Harp Singers will serenade the community from 9:30am to 3pm on Saturday, October 28 and 9:30am to 2:30pm on Sunday, October 29 with around 70 songs each day from the 2012 Sacred Harp: Revised Cooper Edition. The free event, which has taken place since 1900, is open to all ages and will feature singers sitting in a square arrangement facing each other while they take turns leading songs. As sacred harp singing events emphasize participation over performance, audience members are welcome to join in the singing, and books will be
available to borrow during the event. “We’re singing to each other. It’s not a performance-type music,” Gaylon says. “If you like to sing in the shower and in your car, come sing with us. There are no auditions. It’s just for the love of singing.”
Scan the code to learn more about the Southwest Texas Sacred Harp Singing Convention. texasfasola.org
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WHAT MAKES TEXAS "TEXAS"
I
f you want to see Texas in all its spurs-and-cowboyboots glory, look no further than its rodeos. These western extravaganzas date back to the 19th century when Spanish settlers introduced horses and cattle to the region. With the expansion of cattle ranching in Texas during the 1800s, cowboys became skilled in roping, riding, and other rodeo-style activities as part of their daily work on ranches. The world’s first official rodeo, West of the Pecos Rodeo, began in 1883 and set the stage for rodeos as we know them today, not only featuring competitions in roping and riding but music, food, and a variety of family friendly activities. Rodeo associations like the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association were soon established to standardize rules and promote rodeo events. Whether you’re a lifelong rodeo fan or a first timer who doesn’t know steer wrestling from barrel racing, here is everything you need to know about rodeo culture and upcoming events that will be sure to get you into the cowboy spirit.
by Charlotte Kovalchuk
Known as the official sport of Texas, rodeo embodies the state’s rich cowboy heritage and culture. Cowboys and cowgirls spend years mastering the art of riding, roping, and wrestling, with many aspiring competitors attending rodeo schools and clinics. Rodeo athletes engage in strength, cardio, and flexibility training as well as work on their mental fortitude, focus, and ability to stay calm under pressure. Each rodeo event requires specific skills – for example, bull riders practice balance and riding techniques, ropers work on lassoing accuracy, and barrel racers fine-tune their horsemanship skills. But rodeo isn’t just a sport; it’s a way of life. It often becomes a family tradition, with skills and knowledge passed down from generation to generation. Rodeos also play a vital role in preserving western heritage as well as bringing communities together in a shared enthusiasm for cowboy culture.
If you’ve never been to a rodeo, seeing all those horses and bulls and cowboys in action can feel a little chaotic. But don't worry – you don’t have to be born in a saddle to understand this western shindig. Some common rodeo events include:
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Barrel racing: Horseback riders race around barrels.
Steer wrestling (bulldogging): Cowboys are challenged to wrestle a galloping steer to the ground. They are scored on time and can lose points for starting too early.
Bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding: Riders are challenged to stay on a horse, bull, or steer for eight seconds.
Tie-down roping (calf roping): Riders are required to rope and immobilize a calf. They are scored on time and can lose points for starting too early, or if the calf breaks out of the ropes within six seconds.
Mutton busting: A smaller version of bull riding in which kids ride sheep as long as possible.
Team roping: Two riders, a header and a heeler, work together to lasso a sprinting steer. They are scored on time and technique.
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WHAT MAKES TEXAS "TEXAS"
Texas is home to some of the most famous rodeos in the world, as well as locally beloved events that celebrate community heritage and spirit. Here are just some of the rodeos taking place this year and next around the state.
Williamson County Fair and Rodeo:
Austin Rodeo:
October 25 – 28. Williamson County Expo Center, 5350 Bill Pickett Trail, Taylor.
March 8 – 23 at the Travis County Exposition Center, 7311 Decker Lane, Austin.
Williamson County’s first fair and rodeo began in 2020 and continues to feature a wide range of rodeo favorites along with a carnival, comedy/stunt show, petting zoo, pig races, family games, live music, a beer and wine garden, and food and shopping vendors.
Visitors can enjoy livestock and horse shows, carnival activities, live music, and hands-on learning experiences in agricultural education for youth.
Williamson County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo: June 28-29 at the WCSP Arena, 1600 CR 305, Jarrell.
Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo: January 12 – February 3 at 3400 Burnett Tandy Drive, Fort Worth. A legendary 23-day celebration of all things western, including livestock and horse shows, kid-friendly activities and exhibits, a carnival, live music, shopping, food, as well as a best of Mexico Celebración and Cowboys of Color Rodeo.
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo: February 8-25 at the AT&T Center, 723 AT&T Center Parkway, San Antonio. This rodeo features western activities and competitions, shopping, food vendors, carnival rides, and live music from some of the biggest names in country music.
In addition to a variety of rodeo events for all ages, visitors can enjoy live music, food vendors, clothing and craft booths, and a kids’ zone.
Taylor Rodeo: Tentatively set for July 18-20 at Williamson County Expo Center, 5350 Bill Pickett Trail, Taylor. For nearly 74 years, the Taylor Rodeo has celebrated a unique rodeo experience in the hometown of rodeo cowboy legend Bill Pickett. This open rodeo allows the crowd to join in events like the calf scramble and steer saddling as well as watch locals rope and ride.
West of the Pecos Rodeo: Summer date TBD, Buck Jackson Arena, 1556 S Cedar St., Pecos. Known as the world’s first rodeo that started in 1883, this event showcases a rodeo parade, performances, and exhibitions.
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo:
Mesquite Championship Rodeo:
February 27 – March 17 at One NRG Park, Houston.
Summer date TBD, 1818 Rodeo Drive, Mesquite.
One of the largest indoor livestock exhibitions and rodeos – drawing about 2.5 million attendees – this three-week show and rodeo is held every March at NRG Stadium and features live concerts, food, shopping, carnival rides, exhibitions, and competitions.
Taking place in Mesquite – dubbed by the State Legislature as the Official Rodeo Capital of Texas – the Mesquite Championship Rodeo is held in an indoor stadium and features various traditional rodeo events. O C TO B E R 2 0 2 3 L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G E S T
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WORTH THE DRIVE
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by Rachel Strickland | image credit: Facebook / Globe Theater
T
o tell the story of the Globe Theatre in Bertram, Texas, it is necessary to go back in time to early 1935, when the citizens of Bertram decided it was time for their small town to have its own theater. A building contract was granted to Marble Falls residents C. C. Cardwell and Mike Toliver, and construction began. In July 1935, the Bertram Enterprise newspaper wrote that the new theater would be “one of the prettiest theaters to be found in Texas in a town the size of Bertram, or even larger.” Finally, on August 20, 1935, the theater opened its doors. As Bertram’s new theater didn’t have a name yet, the owners held a contest and Roy Dycus won for suggesting Globe Theatre. Ownership of the Globe eventually went to Tommy Knight, who had begun working at the theater when he was still just a child. Tommy ran the theater until it was no longer profitable, and was still collecting tickets at its last movie showing in 1982. The theater remained deserted until 2009 when friends Zach Hamilton and Lance Regier purchased it in with dreams of renovating it and bringing it back to its former glory. In late 2015, after years of intensive restoration, the Globe Theatre reopened and is now owned and managed by Hamilton’s sister, Emily Ann Jones, and her husband, singer Jesse Lee Jones.
| MUSIC DREAM | Emily Ann’s family has called Bertram home since the 1960s and passed down their love of music for generations. Emily Ann began singing in church as a child and, in her late teens, began recording and touring with some big Texas artists, which got her on the Texas circuit. In 2012, Emily Ann won a singing competition in Austin and got a record deal, but instead, found herself at a live music bar in Nashville called Robert’s Western World, where she met her husband and became his artist manager. In 2014, Emily Ann hosted a songwriter’s TV show out of the Broken Spoke, a famous dance hall in Austin, which gave her the opportunity to form a relationship with many talented artists. “Music has always kept me grounded,” she says. “Some way, somehow, life always brought me back to music.”
WORTH THE DRIVE
Today, the Globe features big artists in the industry who want to play for a smaller audience, since the Globe only seats 248. Emily Ann says that when she and her husband reopened the theater, they featured names like Bruce and Kelly Willis, Leroy Parnell, Jesse Daniel, and Robert Earl Keen right before he retired. While the Globe mainly puts on live music these days, they still show movies on occasion, particularly during the holiday season. They also host weddings, birthday parties, and memorials, and are in the process of opening a biergarten next door. Every first Wednesday, they host free Honky Tonk Wednesdays where folks come out and dance to different bands. Emily Ann is also working with the governor’s office to have Bertram designated a music-friendly community so they can host festivals and receive sponsorships from historic groups to preserve live music venues and live music in general.
| PRESERVING HISTORY | Emily Ann and her husband are enthusiastic about preserving downtown Bertram’s history and have purchased multiple pieces of real estate in hopes of restoring and preserving them. “We see a lot of potential, and so we’ve got some real estate we’ve slowly been rehabbing,” she says. “We like to preserve, and we like to educate about the history so people will respect it. Change is inevitable, and growth is happening. You have to embrace the growth, but there’s a way to do it so people will respect the history and retain the traditional aspects of a small town.” Many people don’t realize all that downtown Bertram has to offer, she adds. “There’s Standard on Vaughan, which is a full mixology bar, Flanigan’s Distillery across the street, and three wineries within five minutes of downtown. It’s really starting to grow around here, and we’re true advocates for supporting the local community.”
GLOBE THEATRE 132 W. Vaughan St. | Bertram, TX 78605 GlobeTheatreTX.com O C TO B E R 2 0 2 3 L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G E S T
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FOOD
by Ann Marie Kennon
Yippie-Ki-Gourmet! Recipes from the Open Range
Whether you're a lonesome cowboy, a rodeo star, or a city slicker with a hankering for some hearty grub, this page is your trail map to flavors of the Wild West. So, dust off your boots, tip your hat, and get ready to wrangle up some authentic cowboy cuisine.
Cowboy Spaghetti • 1 package (12 oz) spaghetti
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 8 bacon strips, chopped
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1-1/2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce • 1 can (10 oz) chili-seasoned diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
• 3 cups shredded pepper jack cheese, divided • Chopped green onions, optional
Preheat oven to 350°. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. In a 12-in. cast iron skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Add beef and onion to drippings. Cook and stir until beef is no longer pink, 5-7 minutes, breaking meat into crumbles. Stir in tomato sauce, beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, oregano and garlic powder. Drain spaghetti; stir into skillet. Stir in 1-1/2 cups cheese and half the bacon. Top with remaining 1-1/2 cups cheese. Bake until heated through, 20-25 minutes. Sprinkle with green onions and remaining bacon.
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FOOD Frito pie may have originally been served directly from the bag in a New Mexico Woolworth's in the 1960s. There are also claims that it dates back to the 1930s or 1940s, possibly in Texas. Regardless of its exact origins, it has become a staple at many local events, carnivals, and sporting events. • 1 lb ground beef • 1 medium onion, chopped • 2 cans (15 oz each) Ranch Style beans (pinto beans in seasoned tomato sauce) • 1 package (9-1/4 oz) Frito corn chips • 2 cans (10 oz each) enchilada sauce • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese • Thinly sliced green onions, optional Preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until beef is no longer pink and onion is tender, crumbling meat; drain. Stir in beans; heat through. Reserve 1 cup corn chips for topping. Place remaining corn chips in a greased 13"x9" baking dish. Layer with meat mixture, enchilada sauce and cheese; top with reserved chips. Bake, uncovered, 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted. If desired, sprinkle with green onions.
COWBOY CANDY ( C A N D I E D JALAPE NO S)
FRITO PIE
Pickling jalapeños creates a slightly milder flavor. The sugar tempers the heat somewhat, though they'll still have a zesty punch. To soften their kick even more, blend the candied jalapeños with cream cheese to craft a delightful spread.
• 1 lb jalapeño peppers (~16), cut into 1/4-inch slices
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1-1/2 cups thinly sliced garlic cloves (~4 bulbs)
• 3/4 tsp mustard seed
• 3-1/2 cups sugar
• 3/4 tsp celery seed
• 1-1/4 cups red wine vinegar
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric • 1 cayenne pepper, minced, optional Pack jalapenos and garlic into three hot 1-pint jars to within 1/2 in. of the top. In a large saucepan, bring sugar, vinegar, seasonings and, if desired, cayenne pepper to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes. Carefully ladle hot liquid over pepper mixture, leaving 1/2 in. headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot mixture. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight. Place jars into canner with simmering water, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process for 15 minutes. Remove jars and cool. Keep in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Use within 2-3 weeks once opened. O C TO B E R 2 0 2 3 L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G E S T
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PARTING SHOT
by Charlotte Kovalchuk | image credit: Facebook / SRMS FCA
JOINING HANDS
Students Lift Up Community in Prayer Around 60 students from Santa Rita Middle School shared a moment of solidarity with schools around the world during the annual day of student prayer for See You at the Pole. “As a parent and a Christian, it was truly humbling to see so many students unashamed to show their love of Christ,” says Trish Flores, organizer with Santa Rita Middle School’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). “We truly are a blessed community to have so much support from the parents, students, and general community.” Organized and led by students, See You at the Pole is a prayer rally where students meet at the school flagpole before school to lift up their friends, families, teachers, school, and nation to God. The event began in 1990 as a grassroots movement with 10 students praying at their school and, today, millions around the world pray on their own campuses on the fourth Wednesday of September each year.
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P.O. Box 213, Jarrell. TX, 76537
ECRWSS POSTAL PATRON LIBERTY HILL, TX
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